Project Overview

Bishop Peak Trail and The Felsman Loopare heavily used by the general public.

Because of deed restrictions, high usage,
and narrow trails, and for the safety of others,we are asking you to follow the following rules:

Hikers, Runners and Climbers only on these
trailsPlease stay on existing trailsDo not cut switchbacks! This causes erosionDo not remove protective fencingEnjoy yourself and have a good time, but not
at the expense of others.Report any vandalism to the SLO Parks Department,
781-7302

PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO SPREAD THE WORD.

HELP US TO ENCOURAGE THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL
RECREATION TRAILS WHILE MAINTAINING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL TO ENJOY.

The Sierra Club has worked for the past five years to create the 360-acre
Bishop Peak Preserve encompassing all flanks of Bishop Peak. On
March 2, 1998, these acquisitions were completed. We will now be working
to extend the existing trail system and repair damaged habitat.

We have already constructed the first phases of the new trail system
by establishing a trailhead on Patricia Drive (preferred), and a neighborhood
access point at the end of Highland Drive. These trails offer a
great experience with little effort. Check the Hiking
Trails of California's Central Coast for more information and directions
to the trailheads.

Trail construction was completed on June 1, 1999. The Bishop PeakTrail and the Felsman Loop are now connected and accessible
from the Patricia Drive Trailhead. In October 1998, the CCC started construction
of the Bishop Trail to the very top, with the help of the Sierra Club.
A formal dedication was held March 5, 1999. Trail construction on this
trail was supported by grant funding and volunteer labor. Construction
crews consist of the California Conservation Corps. (CCC), California
Department of Forestry (CDF), Sierra Club and other volunteer organizations.
This trail will be much easier than the climb to Bishop Peak.

The Felsman Loop is a 2.7-mile trail, exploring the lower reaches
of Bishop Peak has been completed, except for a couple of bridges, water
control. Most of the signage is now in place making it easier to find
your way around. The only signage that is not in place are for the connecting
trails for "Falcon Ridge" and "Shady Grove", which interconnect
to different areas of the Felsman Loop. This trail is being constructed
by local volunteers coordinated by the Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra
Club Trail Watch Volunteers, and help
from the California Department of Forestry (CDF). Guidance for this project
is being provided by Neil Havlik, City of SLO Natural Resource Manager,
and Gary Felsman, a local Sierra Club volunteer. A Pedestrian Gate has
been installed making it easier to cross the barbed wire fencing between
the Ferrini Open Space Area nd the Bunnell Ranch Parcel. Signage is in
progress to enable visitors to enjoy the area without getting lost.

The Bishop Peak Trail is 2.2 miles from Patricia Drive. It was constructed
by the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Santa Lucia Chapter
of the Sierra Club. It is a great experience for all to enjoy. Plaques
have been placed a long the route to acknowledge those who donated land
to the cause. The trail itself etends over four different parcels before
reaching the top. They are the Ferrini Open Space, the Bunnel
Ranch, Gnesa Family, and Madonna Family have all contributed land for this
project to be completed.

View from Bishop Peak Trail

Trail Crews working on Bishop Peak Trail

Climbers Access is also being addressed. We are in the process
of determining where a few short sections of trail can be constructed to
access the climbing areas. We have already improved on climber's access
point.

We will need volunteers to help us build the trail and no experience
is necessary we encourage everyone to participate in the project, and enjoy
the company as we work to improve the surrounding area.

For more information or to volunteer contact Gary Felsman (805-549-0532),
or e-mail gfelsman@thegrid.net.